Duo jailed for separate robbery crimes

The conviction has been welcomed by the National Prosecuting Authority, which described the matter as a severe violation of trust and a grave crime against a vulnerable child.

Tendai Gukutikwa
Post Reporter
A 21-YEAR-OLD Mutare resident, Denford Zireni, has been sentenced to four years in prison for his role in a violent robbery in Penhalonga.
Zireni appeared before Mutare magistrate, Mr Poterai Gwezhira and pleaded guilty to the robbery charge.
As a result, one year of his sentence was suspended on condition of good behaviour, leaving him to serve an effective three years in prison.
Mutare prosecutor, Ms Sandra Mlambo said Zireni and an accomplice, who remains at large, attacked a 59-year-old man walking home on the night of April.
Zireni was caught wearing clothes stolen during the robbery, leading to his arrest and subsequent conviction.
Ms Mlambo said Zireni and his accomplice pushed the victim to the ground, kicked him, and stolen US$58 in cash, a satchel, three pairs of trousers, and pair of brown shoes.
The victim’s swift action in alerting the police led to Zireni’s arrest at Tsvingwe Shops in Penhalonga, where he was wearing some of the stolen clothing.
The police were able to recover part of the stolen property.
The National Prosecuting Authority of Zimbabwe welcomed the conviction and sentence, emphasizing the importance of public vigilance.
“The NPA remains committed to ensuring justice is served and public safety is upheld. Let us remain vigilant and report all crimes to law enforcement,”
reads part of NPA statement.
Meanwhile, a 26-year-old Mutare resident, Tinashe Kahlari, has been sentenced to seven years in prison for his role in a robbery that occurred in January 2024.
Mutare magistrate, Mrs Phathekile Msipa, presided over the case, while Ms Nomathemba Sayi prosecuted.
Ms Sayi said Kahlari and his accomplice, who remains at large, forced their way into a woman’s Greenside residence.
The pair held the victim captive, covering her mouth with a cloth, while they stole her Honda Fit motor vehicle, valued at US$5 100.
They also made off with US$210 in cash, a Nova 10 Pro cell phone, a GNT Holy Bible, and the victim’s passport.
Kahlari was arrested after police detectives discovered the stolen vehicle was being sold in Odzi. The vehicle was later recovered in the Nyangakupa area of Nyanga.
Mrs Msipa sentenced Kahlari to eight years in prison, with one year suspended on condition of good behaviour.
He will serve an effective seven years in prison.